The Dead Cockroach: Hollywood Zhenguang Wantan Noodle @ Haig Road Market & Food Centre

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The old Hollywood Theater would be no stranger to those living in the east. Built in 1958, it has seen some of the biggest movie stars from Hong Kong like Siew Fung Fung, Fong Bo Bo, Chan Bo-chu, Nancy Sit, etc performing live on stage.

Just behind the theater is a canteen called Hin Hollywood Canteen where Zhenguang Wantan (sic) Noodles has been doing business for fifty years.

The area was demolished in 2011 to make way for redevelopment and standing in its place now is the new One KM Mall.

What happened to Zhenguang Wantan Noodles stall then? It shifted across the road into Haig Road Market & Food Centre.

There is a very heartwarming story behind this stall. Decades ago, their neighbor passes away leaving behind several young children.

Mr Lim, the owner of Zhenguang Wantan Noodle then took it upon himself to take care of them. Not only did he provide for them, he also make sure that they do not go astray.

Despite having three children of his own and probably not making much from the noodle stall, he loved them as they were his own.

Now all grown up, the children had their own lives and careers; one of them even helps out at the stall.

Now, isn't that a very selfless and noble act?

Anyway, I digress.

I ordered the $3 plate of wanton noodle which came with a generous mound of noodle, char siew, chye sim and four wantons in a bowl of soup.

The noodle came ready tossed in a concoction of pork lard oil, chili sauce and dark sauce. The pork lard oil was mixed with peanut oil then stir fried with scallion and garlic to further accentuate the flavors.

The noodle is slightly thicker than the usual mee kia and had a springy bite to it. I wish there is a bit more sauce though as the noodle felt a little dry after a second round of tossing by me. I scooped a spoonful of soup into the noodle which helps a little but also diluted the taste as well.

I understand that they make their own char siew and mine came with a bit of fat which I like. If only there is a bit more char on the outside.

I tasted mainly anchovies and ginger (presumably to remove the fishy smell) in the soup. Although I do not find the soup particularly tasty, it felt very homely to me as that is how my mother like to cook soup as well.

The wontons are well-seasoned without going overboard with the pepper like some places do.